Bergdorf Goodman and the non-Manhattan Neiman Marcus are the latest department stores to take their winter merchandise to the third markdown. The discount at Neiman Marcus is officially up to 70% off and Bergdorf's is boasting discounts hitting 75% off.
We must admit that the selection and sizing are better at Neiman Marcus but it pays to browse both sites. The companies have become very good at avoiding overlap and the assortments are quite different.
These are the final markdowns at both stores but later this month there will be additional discount promotions. You just never know what merchandise will last that long.
We can't say the Gucci sale was very good this year. The markdown assortment was actually quite poor. If you were looking for sale clothing, it was nearly impossible. We heard that Gucci cut deals with retailers to take back all their merchandise rather than see it discounted.
While surfing some lesser-known online retailers we came upon a stellar Gucci Sale. LN-CC, which is based in Florence, and has an editorially curated website. The best part of the site is that there is a lot of Gucci (and other great designer items) discounted 50% and even more.
Among the Gucci items we found this Gucci bomber reduced to $650 from $1300, this dress fits fabulously and comes to $2100 from $4200 and we just can't get enough of this floral and ruffled silk jacket that's $1585 from $3170. We can't recall ever seeing these Brogue pumps (even in the Gucci boutique in Italy) and they are now $845 from $1700. In case you still need a gift, here is a Gucci knit cap for $150 from $300.
The sale selection for men is just as good. Browsing the site is really like taking a walk through a wonderfully curated European boutique. Don't forget to say thank you (or damn you) once you're as hooked as we are.
New York is freezing cold. Where should you go to warm up and find some red-hot sales? Head over to Manolo Blahnik boutique's second markdown. The sale started today and we've been told that the inventory is running practically at full stock.
This most recent markdown, follows the 40% discount but proceeds the final and best shopping opportunity of the season. The final markdown is always one of our favorite sales and will likely take place early next year. Prices are likely to range from $195 to $350. Most shoes and low boots-- even highly ornate styles-- are usually priced at about $250.
Expect to find a full assortment of shoes from the Winter collection. Personally, we are waiting to make our major purchases but those in town visiting or looking for a particular item might not want to delay. After all, everyone is out of the city. You can click here to see the reports from past final markdowns or slide through the pics to see what similar discounts can be found online.
Manolo Blahnik
31 West 54th Street (b/w 5th and 6th)
Monday to Friday 10:30 to 6pm
Saturday 10:30 to 5:30
Sunday 12pm to 5pm
Store will close from 2pm to 3pm for restocking
We have been waiting all month for Shopbop to host a great promotion. Finally, that time has come. For three days only you can save extra 25% off sale merchandise. Use the code JOY25 when checking out to engage the additional discount.
Over here we found a Rodarte hooded sweatshirt that comes to just $100 from $345. Over here is a ruffled sweater from Philosophy di Lorenzo that is close to 75% off, or $220 from $800. Fendi sunglasses, perfect for your next vacay, are $130 from $500. This Veronica Beard sweater-shirt is $130-ish from $375.
We are in love with these Mira Mikati jeans with ribbon cuffs that are about $100 from nearly $500. We would love to match that sweater with these Frame oversized cuff jeans that are $95 from $225. These high-waist leather pants from K Brand are a major must-have for winter and come to $580 from $1300.
The promotion runs through Thursday. It's all over at the strike of midnight. That's midnight Pacific Time, which gives us East Coasters a few extra hours to shop for the perfect New Years ensemble.
Black Friday is for the amateurs. Real shoppers sharpen elbows for the day after Christmas. It's the time of year where you can still find a rather good selection of merchandise that's highly discounted. Over the course of the week you'll also find great opportunities to pounce on hard-to-find items that may have gotten returned.
Below are some of our favorite post-Christmas shopping destinations. Share your favorites in the comment section below:
1. Neiman Marcus
Set your alarm clocks. Starting at 6am CST, Neiman Marcus will be offering customers an additional 50% off some already reduced merchandise. The promotion will only last until noon CST, so we suggest you work fast-- or maybe start loading your cart now. We have our eyes on these Balenciaga logo short boots and these Gianvito Rossi heels.
2. Saks Fifth Avenue Saks is enticing shoppers with discounts for a total savings of up to 70% off. We suggest you get there when the store opens because when the clock strikes noon the additional savings end. Online shoppers can begin shopping the extra discounts right now and through midnight Monday. A Chloe Faye bag is reduced to $682 from $1950, Valentino biker boots with a bow are $606 from $1445 and Alexander Wang studded slides are $250 from $600.
3. Barneys New York Barneys still has better markdown opportunities than their competitors. Shortly, the store will begin to lose its competitive edge as other stores reduce accessories and match its 70% off. The biggest Barneys advantage is their fashion lusty inventory. A Calvin Klein tote bag is $789 from almost $2000, Aquazzura ankle tie shoes are $319 from nearly $800, Fabrizio Viti pumps are $290 from $735 and Frame jeans are just $69.
5. Intermix
Sometimes the best discounts are the ones closest to home. We love the variety at Intermix and the markdowns. Right now, you can save up to 75% off once you apply the promotional 40% discount. It takes a little mental math to figure out the numbers but it won't take long for you to get the hang of it. (We find it easiest to divide by 50% and add 10% to get the final price.) These Frame jeans are $95 from $238, Jean-Michel Cazabat open-toe boots are $200 from $600 and a Missoni hat is $140 from $400.
It's the final weekend before Christmas and Neiman Marcus has been lagging behind the pack when it comes to designer discounts. The swanky store's discounts are still not ahead of Barneys in some product areas but the selection is much better than anywhere else.
If you're still waiting for a better deal Neiman Marcus will bring the additional promotion up to an extra 50% off starting 6am CST on December 26th. This after-Christmas promotion will only run for 3 hours, so set your alarm clock!
Most stores wait until after Christmas to take a third markdown but Barneys decided to give their customers' an early holiday gift. Right now, Barneys shoppers can save up to 70% off most items.
This markdown is pretty awesome but we know that there are likely to be additional discount promotions. Just don't expect the better merchandise to stick around for too much longer. We can always hope for the treasures found in returns.
Handbags: Jorge Jizurieta@barneys.com
Shoes: Joel 347-476-8700
